Wanderings in Sri Lanka - 2 - Dambulla

---

After a long drive from the coast to Dambulla, in the Central Province, we started our small group tour of the "Cultural Triangle". We visited the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, dating from the 9th to the 12th centuries. There were well preserved temples, dagobas, pools and ruined palaces. All proved to be interesting, colourful and provided a vivid insight into life in Sri Lanka prior to any European influences. We moved on to Sigiriya Rock, also known as "Lion Rock" a vast granite monolith, 656 ft high, with an ancient citadel on the summit. There were also wonderful frescos dating from the 5th century. The afternoon tour provided a welcome respite from ancient ruins when we visited a nature reserve. We drove through verdant grassland, dotted with palm, teak and many other species of trees, in search of elephants. Very soon we saw small groups and larger herds of Indian elephants wandering through the landscape or hiding in the shade of the trees.



Approximately 300 steep steps and paths took us up the hillside, from the massive Golden Buddha statue, to the Dambulla Cave Temples. We certainly needed a rest from the blazing sun and high humidity when we reach the top, but unfortunately the imagined cool caves were just as hot and humid!! The Cave Temples contained numerous carved Buddha Statues, in many different poses, with vivid colours and many walls paintings - a wonderful sight. A relaxing "village visit" followed with a peaceful boat trip across a water lily-covered lake - there were many water birds to add to our growing "bird list".

Accommodation - Heritance Kandalama Hotel

Weather - Very hot & humid - sunny & some clouds

---

Photos

Reclining Buddha - Dambulla Cave Temples
Many pressure points painted on the feet.

Comments

[Helen and Bob]

Sri Lanka
Amazing as always! You paint a very good picture. I realise I forgot to comment on the first blog but we enjoyed that too. It sounds like a lovely trip, if rather hot! Looking forward to hearing about it in real life! Xx

[David and Joanne]

Colourful Sri Lanka
As always an eloquent description which is surpassed by the amazing pictures. The elephants were great and the sky is always blue!